Laboratory Supervisor

ALS is one of the world’s largest and most diversified testing and technical services providers,  with sites strategically located in more than 350 locations, in 55 countries, and on six continents  providing accurate and timely services to clients in the life sciences, food, pharmaceutical and minerals market sectors, with employees located in multiple sites across the USA. Our corporate headquarters is in Brisbane, Australia however we have a Global Operations (Corporate) center in Houston, Texas.  

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the different strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognized and valued.

Primary Objective:

The Laboratory Supervisor will be responsible for ensuring that timely and quality results are produced, and that the department is running efficiently.

The Laboratory Supervisor has the following duties: 

• Ensure that all tasks are performed within time restraints and according to relevant quality and safety policies and procedures.
• Use results from test method(s) in calculations to further characterize the data (i.e. Calculated Cetane Index, Viscosity Index, etc.).
• Prepare and/or aliquot samples as part of a sample preparation step for all required tests. When applicable load samples on automated instrumentation that has been validated following method quality requirements.
• Perform routine daily and/or weekly verification(s) and/or calibration(s) on equipment and instrumentation following method quality requirements. Some methods will require a minimum Level 3 or 4 based on complexity and quality risk level.
• Troubleshoot validation and/or calibration equipment and instrumentation issues. Some equipment and instrumentation will require a minimum Level 4 based on complexity and quality risk level.
• Troubleshoot and/or repair equipment and instrumentation as required.
• Perform analysis on samples through direct testing (i.e. wet chemistry). The minimum level required to perform some methods will vary depending on complexity of the method, safety risk level, and quality risk level.
• Evaluate raw data to ensure precision, accuracy, and quality requirements are met. Some methods will require a minimum Level 4 based on complexity and quality risk level.  When anomalies are discovered, these must be addressed and solved prior to release of data, including reanalysis of affected samples.
• Perform preventative maintenance on equipment and/or instrumentation as required by the method.

Core Competencies:

• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office and Office 365.
• Must be able to effectively perform duties under pressure arising from large sample volumes and short turn-around times.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to use (or learn to use) Laboratory Information Management System.

Occupational Health & Safety Responsibilities:

• Follow all company operating procedures, standards, policies, and training to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the site.
• Play an active role in the ALS safety program by correcting or reporting unsafe acts and conditions that are observed during the day to day operations to create a zero-injury work environment.
• Participate in and support HSE initiatives, as required by ALS leadership.
• Understand and use HSE precautions (such as but not limited to fume hoods and PPE) while working with chemicals and samples of unknown hazards.
• Ensure the health and safety of staff, contractors, and/or visitors by providing appropriate leadership, due diligence, resources, training, and enforcement for all individuals onsite.
• Undergo annual ALS Hazardous Waste Management training course.
• Transporting and disposing of hazardous waste within the ALS facility.
• Understand components of Hazardous Waste room: bonding/grounding, labeling, transfer of hazardous liquids, etc. The minimum level required to perform preventative maintenance on some equipment and/or instrumentation will vary depending on the complexity of the task, safety risk level and quality risk level.
• Perform non-routine in-house calibration of equipment and/or instrumentation according to quality schedule.
• Perform calculations as required when conducting analytical preparations.
• Perform sample preparation for multiple testing requirements.
• Perform housekeeping duties as required. This includes assisting with storage and disposal of client samples.
• Monitor inventory levels for supplies and reagents required for test methods.
• Prepare and maintain standards and reagents. Some standards will require a minimum Level 2 depending on the complexity and quality risk.
• As appropriate conduct training with Laboratory staff
• As appropriate, attend internal operation, quality, and safety meetings as required.
• As appropriate, supervise laboratory staff
• Able to train and mentor Laboratory Assistants and/or Technicians.
• Maintain local calibration and/or verification schedules for critical instrumentation and/or equipment. Ensure third party calibrations/verifications are performed by approved vendors.  Provide staff training as required for in-house calibration and/or verifications.  Monitor local calibration and verification logs.
• Generate, accumulate, handle, work near, transport, and dispose of hazardous wastes.
• Collect, store, and label any hazardous waste generated in compliance with ALS policy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Quality Responsibilities:

• Ensure business is conducted in accordance with Core Values:

      ü Safety as a Priority

      ü Honesty and Integrity

      ü Exceeding Client Expectations

      ü Belief in Our Ability

      ü Hard Work and Continuous Improvement

      ü Doing it Better

      ü Celebrating Success

      ü People Development

• Ensure Quality Systems are adhered to in performance, review, and reporting of laboratory duties and communicate all quality issues.
• Support Quality Department and Continuous Improvement Processes.
• Employees commit to improving the ALS experience through effective communication.

Position Requirements:

• High school diploma/GED is required.
• Associate degree is preferred. (Equivalent 1 years’ experience)
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred. (Equivalent 2 years’ experience)
• 5+ years of experience with instrumentation used for analysis.
• 5+ years of experience with at least 3 other instrumentation techniques (e.g. IC, HPLC, AA, GF, GC with several detectors, headspace analysis).
• Industry Certification (OMA, OLA, STLE, Noria)
• Quality assurance/control experience with ISO 17025 or other quality standards associated with laboratory protocols.
• Proven ability to develop and set-up analytical methods for commercial testing.
• Laboratory or Tribology experience is preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Routinely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move heavier loads with assistance.
• Must be able to stand, bend, push, pull, stoop and crouch up to 50% of the time while performing the duties of this position.
• Perform housekeeping duties as required.
• Must be able to work on computer while sitting for up to 8 hours per day.

ALS offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) and Roth contributions with a company match after 6 months of employment
• Paid Time Off, Vacation
• Company paid Life Insurance
• Company paid Short Term and Long Term Disability
• Other: Ancillary benefits

We would like to thank everyone for their interest in ALS but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

"ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving and maintaining a workforce which reflects and affirms the diversity of our society"

ALS is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. 

EOE AA Minority, Female, Veteran, Individuals with Disabilities 

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